Description This work is inspired by the following poem I wrote in 2004:Desert RoseHis reign of grace of gentle soundPounds the parched earth crumbledNourishes my desert soulThe footprints of sand where my faith once stumbledHe lifts me up as a desert roseAs the water flows from his wounded sideHe wears my thorns as they break his bodyThey tore His clothes as they watched him dieThe man of sorrowsAnd betrayed with a kissThey tore His petals so that I might liveThere is no greater love than this

Mark Odland graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and religion. Here he studied drawing, painting, and printmaking under nationally renowned artist Carl Grupp. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN, and his Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in Eagan, MN. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Mark has worked as a camp counselor, hospital chaplain, and pastor, and currently serves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. An award-winning artist, Mark feels privileged to have his work displayed in various collections around the world. His knowledge and experience in matters of religion, psychology, and the power of human emotion have deeply influenced his artistic creations. In his work, he strives to translate Biblical themes into imagery that is recognizable, yet still challenging. In both subtle and direct ways he hopes to convey the complexity and messiness of the Biblical narrative, yet retain the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel; a message of radical love and salvation for a lost and hurting world.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“My life is a canvas for all to see. If you step close, the blotches, the cuts, and the mistakes of my life become very visible. You might wonder, “Why is an unfinished work like this displayed as if it were a masterpiece?” However, if you take a step back, you will be amazed to see how The Artist has covered over the mistakes of my past with an amazing sensitivity. The beautiful crimson paint seems to glow with warmth, with energy, and with love. The Artist, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ. When we stumble, when we fall, when we least deserve His love, He never leaves our side. He picks us up with His nail-scarred hands and forgives us, giving us a fresh coat of paint. I am a masterpiece, not because I am perfect, but because I am loved. I am in the Artist’s hands, and there is no better place to be. Amen.”